The Federal Government has instructed Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State to pause the planned launch of the state’s airport project. Originally set to begin on Monday, the ceremony has been postponed due to unresolved issues surrounding the relocation of the airport from Ido-Osun to Akoda, Ede – the governor’s hometown.
Governor Adeleke had approved the move, citing technical challenges at the original site in Ido-Osun, located in the Egbedore Local Government Area of the state. However, in a letter from the Ministry of Aviation, signed by Dr. Emmanuel Meribole, the Permanent Secretary, the government requested that the foundation-laying ceremony be delayed until certain petitions related to the existing airstrip are resolved.
The letter, which was seen by Vanguard, highlighted the need for better coordination between the Federal and State Governments before moving forward with the project. This would prevent a waste of scarce resources, ensuring that both governments work in unison.
Referring to a petition about the airstrip, the letter emphasized that the existing airstrip is part of a federal project included in the Ministry of Aviation’s 2024 budget. The federal government had already allocated funds for its expansion into an international airport, which conflicts with the state’s plan for a new airport in a different location.
The Ministry of Aviation stressed that the project must be properly aligned between both levels of government to avoid duplication of efforts and resource wastage. As a result, the foundation laying ceremony of the Osun State International Airport is to be postponed until the issues are addressed.
This development is a reminder of the complex collaboration between state and federal authorities in large-scale infrastructure projects, and the importance of thorough coordination to ensure efficient use of public funds.
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